This past weekend, Shenzhen hosted the, first ever, finals of the FAI Drone Racing World Championships, a four day competition, that was held in the Shenzhen Universiade Centre Stadium. Fitting, as Shenzhen is effectively the epicenter of the world’s drone production.
15-year-old pilot Rudi Browning from Australia was crowned FAI World Drone Racing Champion, beating 127 other drone racers from 34 countries to win the title and the prestigious FAI gold medal in a final race that was watched by tens of thousands of drone fans around the world.
Wanraya Wannapong, the 11-year-old drone-master from Thailand won the Women’s FAI World Drone Racing Championship.
Built in the shape of a Traditional Chinese knot, the track was 650 meters long and featured three levels. Pilots had to fly up, down and over and through obstacles and gates, testing their skills as pilots.
The weekend opened with a performance that was otherworldly, including floating space dancers, laser lights, rockets, and of course a 200+ drone light show in the sky. The closing ceremony was equally spectacular with a choreographed model helicopter stunt show and a final multi-drone light show.
Rumor has it the next two year’s championships will also be held here in Shenzhen.
For more information on the event or other Drone racing events check out: https://faidroneworld2018.enavigator.org